Mary and Michael's Live Oak Wedding

Some wedding days feel soft in the best kind of way… calm, joyful, and full of the kind of moments that don’t need to be rushed.

Mary and Michael’s wedding at Live Oak Plantation was exactly that.

From the very beginning, their day carried this quiet sweetness—the kind that comes from two people who are genuinely excited to marry each other and fully present in every moment along the way.

Mary and Michael chose to share a first look—and this is something I always encourage when it fits the couple.

Not just for the timeline (although it helps so much), but for moments like this.

When Michael turned around and saw Mary for the first time, everything else faded away. No audience. No pressure. Just the two of them, taking in the reality of the day together.

Those few quiet minutes gave them space to breathe, to laugh, and to just be—and you could feel the difference for the rest of the day.

They were relaxed. Present. Fully in it.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels both elegant and effortless, take a note from Mary and Michael:

Choose a setting that allows you to slow down. Build space into your day. And don’t be afraid to create moments—like a first look—that give you time together.

Because those are the moments you’ll carry with you long after the day is over.

Here's a look inside their Live Oak Wedding Day!

Number One Tip for Future Phocus Couples to Consider About The Wedding Day:

Schedule in a moment for just the two of you! A quick check-in and a breather to be with your new spouse. There's a lot of pressure to say hi to all your guests and to make sure everything is running smoothly, but at it's core, the day is about the two of you and having that moment to yourself is special and important. Tim and his team do an amazing job of helping protect your space!

What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos/video?

We both cried up during our vows, so I can't wait to see the love and emotions that Phocus was able to capture! Also, we missed some of the dancing, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how much fun everyone was having when we weren't with them! -Mary

What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos/video? I was really looking forward to the first look and our first kiss as a married couple.

How did you two meet? (Tell us all those little details!)We met as freshman at Purdue University! We were in a learning community together, took classes together, and then TA'd a class together. We started out as friends and didn't start dating until junior year, when Mike joined Mary her plus one at her friend's wedding. -Michael

Tell us about THE dress! What made you fall in love?

It was one of those classic moments where I tried one something that I least expected and had "the moment" and cried a little. Alyssa at Dare Bridal was so kind and patient with me while we were going through options. My mom was there with me, which was super special and we called sister as soon as we found it.

What was your first dance song, and why did you choose it?

"Stand by Me" - Florence and the Machine. We love their music, and when Mary found that they had done this cover of such a classic wedding love song, we knew it was perfect. Margaret at First Dance Ballroom Studio (https://www.firstdanceballroomstudio.com/) cut it so it would be the right length for our first dance song, and she also taught us how to not looks like complete fools while we danced!

Describe what you felt when you saw your bride on your wedding day:

I felt a rush of joy as I saw the last twelve years of our love flash before my eyes - the silly jokes, the laughter, the tender moments, and all the growth we shared as a couple ran through my mind in an instant. I simultaneously saw our future together, as husband and wife, and all the incredible moments we still have yet to share on a journey we will shape together over decades. -Michael

Describe what you felt when you saw your groom on your wedding day:

To be a little cheesy and quote one of my favorite movies - 2005 Pride & Prejudice - "completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy" -Mary

What was the most emotional part of the day for you?

I cried multiple times during the day (shoutout to waterproof mascara), but I think the most emotional part for me was reading our vows. We wrote our own and didn't share them ahead of time. They were heartfelt and perfect. -Mary

What was the most emotional part of the day for you?

Definitely the first look. -Michael

What is ONE moment of your day that you will always remember?

It's impossible to pick just one! Thankfully, it's all documented, so if we ever start to forget, we can always a take a look at the photos/video.

Favorite part of the Phocus Experience?

Tim and his team were truly there for US. They had our backs, protected our peace, checked in constantly to make sure we were happy (and fed!). While we had so much wonderful help that day from both vendors and family, I think Phocus went above and beyond and did absolutely everything in their power to make our day special.

GALLERY |

VENDORS |

Venue | Live Oak

Photographer | Phocus and Company

Dress | Dare Bridal

DJ | DJ Drone

Caterer | Nancy's

Decor | Petal and Twig